You may remember that I addressed this last summer. I know, I know: it's just a fashion blog. However, so much of fashion is how we, as women, choose to present ourselves to society. I strongly feel that you should be comfortable presenting yourself however you see fit (and in accordance with the weather -- it is already getting freaking HOT in LA and I am wearing the booty shorts) without fear of the male gaze. Remember: nothing you wear makes it okay for men to harass you. If it makes you uncomfortable, it is harassment, and it very often is demeaning and the byproduct of sexism.

Here is a great little write-up on assertive responses to street harassment.

My summer attitude inspiration is going to be Rose McGowan at the 1998 VMAs:

YOLO. DGAF.

57 comments:

Your necklace is absolutely stunning. What really pulled me in was the title of your post, and I cannot agree with you any more. It INFURIATES me that so many men have the audacity to scream lude things to women they've never spoken to before...if those suckers gave me a chance, I'd clock them in the face. Like you said, harassment is never okay.Thanks so much for addressing this huge problem in your post. I hope you have a great night!

Those pictures in front of that brick wall thing are so rad! And I'm so glad you brought up the harassment subject again. I hate how everything tends to be our fault. Like with how people say that girls "asked" to be raped; it is completely insensitive and wrong and makes me so angry. Even though that's kind of different...Also, I love those shorts! They're fantastic

That outfit is absolutely insane, probably my favourite of yours that I've seen so far! All the pieces just fit together perfectly, and that choker is the biz. End of. But I completely agree with everything you've said- whatever someone is wearing, there is never, ever an excuse for harassment. To argue that, by choosing to dress a certain way, girls are 'asking' for that kind of attention is absurd and frankly disgusting. Xx

Can't get over how awesome your hair is this colour! You look amazing as always, absolutely love the necklace. Ugh agreed about street harrassment..doesn't happen to me all that often but the last time I can remember I just scuttled away in embarrasment, really really annoys me that I didn't give an 'assertive response'!

Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous! One of your best looks I must say! I love that necklace, you'd think it has to be styled with a dress and ends up looking gothic, but the neon colors and the playful outfit? FABULOUS!

'IDGAF' is basically my general response to being catcalled. Even in a small-as-fuck town like this full of mostly old people, my fiancée and I still get this from passing-by cars when we're walking around, and my logic is pretty much, 'could be worse, they could be calling me ugly.' I just never react when it happens, since I figure that's what they're looking for: a reaction. Short of a guy trying to actually make it physical, I just shrug and keep walking. I mean, if they're going to forget that I even exist ten seconds later, I might as well pay them the same amount of my time.

God, I seriously need a belly dancing choker. I know I have a necklace, but it's a statement necklace, not a choker. I feel like they work way better with t-shirts and much more casual wear.

Also, are you sure Rose McGowan wore that to the VMAs? Because I'm shocked they actually let her, dayum! And people think Lady Gaga's ridiculous...

There is nothing I hate more than being hollered at when I'm just trying to go about my day. Okay, there are probably things I hate more, but it's definitely up there. Like, I can't even comprehend how some men think that's acceptable behavior.

Street harassment is the bane of my freaking existence. My strategy is to be as aggressive, bitchy and loud in response as possible, and attempt to publicly shame them. But that strategy takes energy...energy I really should not have to spend reprimanding grown men as if they were toddlers. Barf. Men really need to be educating themselves and other men about how brutal street harassment is, about how it's not a compliment, and prevents women from going out into the world safely, comfortably and on their own terms. Anyway, good for you for brining this up on your blog. It's such an important issue. You're the best!!! <3 <3 <3

I must say, I literally LOL'ed at that Rose Mcgowan "YOLO, DGAF" comment. But nonetheless, I agree with that message dress how you want as long as you are comfortable. Not with the aim to please or be consider accepted based on societal norms. I remember last year when you posted about summer dressing, harassment and what not. I love you little insights that you post every once and a while. I would love to actually meet you in person, I feel like we would have some great conversations.

WORD. i really hate that, in our society, its totally fine for men to harass women because of the way we look. Or the utter bullshit that is telling women to dress a certain way in order to avoid rape. How about just not rape people? apparently thats too hard for some really sick dudes. ANYhow, this outfit is lovely, especially that necklace.

I love this outfit and it makes me feel better about wearing shorter items of clothing without the fear of street harassment. I actually experienced some harassment today so this post was pretty nice to see. Thank you.

I love that yellow shirt/top thing!! I agree with you - we dress for ourselves and since everything is about freedom of choice these days surely we can dress how we like???You are my favourite blog because you aren't afraid to tackle the real issues :) :)

Aaah, I freaking hate the harassment dressing a certain way often leads to as well. It just reminds me of how messed up some people are. I just.. I don't even know what they're thinking, probably nothing actually. This outfit is excellent. Don't let the haters get you down! Haha, aah, Rose, so confident.

It is getting warmer here, too! Rejoice! That necklace is so amazing and I can't believe you got those shoes from wholesale-dress! I think I'll have to order something from that site eventually. I'm pretty curious. Blerg. I need to read that article. One time when I was walking to school...I think I was in grade 9 or 10 ...this guy rolled his window down all the way and wolf whistled at me. I was fricking terrified. The end.

Love love love this outfit! Your sense of style is absolutely impeccable! I completely agree with what you said about men. Nobody should feel restricted to wearing certain clothes due to a fear of being harassed by letchy men. You're rapidly becoming one of my favourite bloggers. I love your entire aesthetic and everything you stand for xxx

Love your outfit and couldn't agree more with your comments on male harassment. It's disgusting that men feel they can ogle and whistle at girls just because they are wearing shorts - its not a cattle market, when they can walk around topless with the top half of their crotch hanging out. Ah. Have you watched Miss Representation, its a documentary about the misrepresentation of women (in particular the US). Its very good.

Oh and it's funny but I think I'm one of the few girls that don't mind being hollered at. I usually just look them in the eyes, give them a curt wave and keep walking. And sometimes if they are just genuinely being nice and not doing any creepy licking-their-chops type hooting I smile and say thank you.